The Foundations of Team Building
The first step in planning is defining the objective. What is the goal of this team building session? Is it to integrate new hires? Is it to celebrate a quarter-end victory? Or is it simply to relieve stress? The objective should dictate the activity.
For example, if the goal is communication, a "Virtual Escape Room" is ideal because it forces dialogue. If the goal is relaxation, a "Mindfulness and Meditation" session or a "Comedy Show" is more appropriate. aligning the "why" with the "what" is the most common missed step in planning.
Selecting Virtual Team Building Events
With the objective clear, you can browse options for virtual team building events. The variety is vast. You must consider the size of your group. Some activities, like "Murder Mysteries," work best with smaller, intimate groups where everyone has a role. Others, like "Trivia" or "Magic Shows," scale easily to hundreds of participants.
Budget is also a factor. While there are DIY options, paying for a professional service often guarantees a smoother experience. The cost covers not just the host, but the platform, the content, and the technical support. For high-stakes events, this insurance is worth every penny.
Scheduling Team Events
Timing is everything. You want to schedule Team events at a time when people can mentally check out of work. Friday afternoons are a classic choice, but be unmatched with time zones. If you have a global team, finding a golden hour can be tough. You might need to rotate the timing so that no single region is always inconvenienced.
Avoid scheduling events during "crunch time." If the team is drowning in deadlines, a mandatory fun event will be resented. It will be seen as an interruption rather than a break. Read the room and schedule accordingly to ensure maximum receptivity.
Execution of Team Building
On the day of the event, communication is key. Send out clear instructions, links, and expectations well in advance. If kits were mailed, remind people to have them ready. A technical check 15 minutes prior to the start can save a lot of headaches.
During the team building session, leadership should model the desired behavior. If the boss is checking emails, everyone else will too. Leaders should be the first to turn on their cameras and the first to speak up. Their engagement validates the event's importance.
Facilitating Virtual Team Building Events
The host makes or breaks virtual team building events. A great host is high-energy, empathetic, and quick-witted. They know how to handle the "quiet" rooms and how to rein in the "loud" ones. They manage the technology seamlessly, transitioning between break-out rooms and main stages without friction.
If you are hiring an external vendor, look for reviews and testimonials about their hosts. The content is secondary to the delivery. A boring game played by a charismatic host is fun; a great game played by a boring host is a failure. Prioritize talent.
Post-Event Strategy for Team Events
The event shouldn't end when the Zoom call closes. Follow up with a survey to gather feedback. What did they like? What could be better? This data is gold for planning future Team events.
Also, share the artifacts. If there were photos taken (like in an AI Photobooth) or a recording of a rap song, distribute them. These serve as "anchors" for the memory, allowing the team to relive the positive emotions. It extends the shelf life of the investment and keeps the vibes high for days to come.
Conclusion
Planning a great event is a craft. It requires empathy, organization, and a dash of showmanship. By following these steps and focusing on the user experience of your employees, you can create moments that matter.
In a world where we are often separated by screens, these intentional moments of togetherness are precious. They remind us that behind every email and every avatar is a real person. connecting with those people is what makes work—and life—worthwhile.